Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A 1957 Malaya Emergency M.M. group of five awarded to Captain Kaktshering Dukpa, 2/10th Gurkha Rifles, for gallantry when in command of an anti-terrorist patrol in the jungle; his very skilful stalking of the enemy and the extremely spirited attack, on his own, resulted in the killing of two Communist Terrorists and the wounding of another

Military Medal, E.II.R., 1st issue (21142286 A/W.O. 2. Katkshering Dukpa. 10th G.R.); War Medal 1939-45, unnamed; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (21142286 Sgt. Kaktshering Dukpa 10 G.R.) unit weak from contact wear); Regular Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (21142286 W.O. Cl. 2. Kaktshering Dokpa, M.M. 10 G.R.) small official correction to last letter of surname; Indian Independence 1947 (21142286 Cpl. Kaktshering Dukpa. G.R.) nearly very fine or better (5) £1,800-£2,200

M.M. London Gazette 20 December 1957:

‘For courage and leadership in command of a small anti-terrorist patrol in jungle operations. He inflicted a severe defeat on a party of six terrorists.’

The original recommendation [for a D.C.M. by the Divisional Commander] states:

‘On the 5th April 1957 Colour Sergeant Kaktshering Dukpa was leading a five man patrol on Anti Communist Terrorist Operations in Johore.

The patrol had just completed a march through the jungle and were on the point of traversing a very large cleared area, when Colour Sergeant Kaktshering Dukpa saw a group of six terrorists, five hundred yards distant, crossing the cleared area towards the jungle. It was apparent that the enemy would escape unhindered unless they could be diverted from the course they were taking.

Colour Sergeant Kaktshering Dukpa immediately sent his four men in a flanking movement through the jungle in an attempt to form an ambush in front of the enemy, while he, on his own, stalked the enemy along the jungle edge and attacked them when he had closed to within 75 yards. He killed one terrorist and wounded another. His spirited attack routed the enemy who discarded their packs and fled into the jungle where another terrorist was killed by the ambush group.

The very skilful stalking of the enemy and the extremely spirited attack by Colour Sergeant Kaktshering Dukpa on his own resulted in the killing of two Communist Terrorists and the wounding of another who would otherwise have been able to escape unharmed. The success of this action can be attributed entirely to the initiative and aggression of Colour Sergeant Kaktshering Dukpa, and to the complete disregard he displayed for his personal safety.’

Kaktshering Dukpa was born in Nepal on 28 October 1925, and joined the Indian Army on 31 December 1944. He was awarded the L.S. & G.C. medal on 21 February 1964, and was commissioned Lieutenant (Queen’s Gurkha Officer) on 5 May 1965, and Captain (Q.G.O.) on 27 December 1968. He retired on 3 August 1970, as a result of a reduction within the Brigade of Gurkhas. His Military Conduct was described as ‘Exemplary’.

Sold with copied record of service, M.M. recommendation and London Gazette entries.